With the ever-growing popularity of CBD, it was only a matter of time before the first CBD-based pet products hit the market. Now, you can choose from several types of products and brands to treat your animal friend.
CBD oils, tinctures, and topicals all claim to support the health and well-being of our furry friends, from easing stress to invigorating the skin and coat. But trusting these claims without examining them would be a mistake.
Before treating your pet with hemp, you should know a few things. To begin with, you should learn how to properly administer hemp to your pet, as well as where to find high-quality products. You’ll also want to know the potential risks and benefits of giving your pet CBD.
Whether you plan to use broad spectrum CBD Oil or CBD-infused pet treats, here are five things you should know before treating your pet with hemp products:
How to Properly Administer CBD to Your Pet
You can estimate the correct dose for your pet similarly to how you would do so for yourself. However, since pets are generally smaller, you should consider your pet’s weight.
Generally, the recommended dosage for a pet is 1 mg of CBD per pound of body weight. You can administer it orally or transdermally (i.e., through the skin).
You may also need to adjust this dosage according to your pet’s unique needs. For example, if your pet experiences severe stress, you can administer a higher dose. You should monitor how your pet reacts to CBD and act accordingly.
A word of caution: You should always consult your veterinarian before administering hemp products to your pet, especially if you have never done it before.
Where to Find High-Quality Hemp Products
When selecting a hemp product for your pet, you want to buy only high-quality products. Fortunately, you can take several precautions to avoid getting scammed.
For starters, ensure the product is third-party tested to confirm its purity. A company you buy from should be transparent about what goes into their hemp products and where the hemp is sourced.
Look for brands that use broad spectrum CBD oil derived from industrial hemp. This way, your pet will receive all the benefits of CBD without exposing it to THC — the intoxicating cannabinoid that may pose a risk to it.
Potential Risks and Benefits of CBD for Pets
Speaking of risks, CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by humans. For example, the World Health Organization states, “in its pure state, cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm.”
Nevertheless, since CBD is a relatively new product, there is not a lot of research on how it affects pets — even though a large part of scientific study on CBD comes from animal research.
The potential benefits of CBD include:
- Stress relief,
- Pain relief,
- Improved skin and coat health,
- Improved sleep.
The potential risks of CBD include:
- Increased appetite (which can lead to weight gain in some pets).
- Sedation (which can be problematic for pets that are sensitive to motion sickness or already sedated by other drugs).
- Sleepiness and lethargy (which can be dangerous to pets with underlying health conditions like heart disease).
- Increased thirst.
Always ask your veterinarian for advice before administering hemp products to your pet. If you decide to give CBD to your pet, start with a smaller dosage and adjust accordingly.
Different Ways to Administer CBD to Your Pet
You can administer hemp products to your pet in a few different ways. The most common methods include the following:
- Topical application: You can apply CBD-infused balms, salves, and other topical products directly to your pet’s skin. It is a good option for pets suffering from skin conditions like allergies, hot spots, and dryness. It is also highly efficient for localized pain relief.
- Oral administration: You can give your pet CBD oil or treats orally. This method is beneficial for general stress relief and anxiety reduction. That said, it can also be helpful for overall wellness support. Remember that it may take longer for the effects of oral administration to kick in compared to other methods (such as transdermal absorption).
The Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC — the intoxicating cannabinoid that can make you high — CBD does not produce hallucinogenic effects. It means that it is generally safe for both humans and animals to consume.
THC can be harmful to pets, especially in large doses. That’s why ensuring that any hemp product you give to your pet is THC-free is crucial. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your pet will not experience any adverse side effects from it.
Final Thoughts
If you consider treating your pet with hemp products, educate yourself to make an informed decision. It will help you keep your pet happy and in good health.
Make sure to consult your veterinarian before giving CBD to your pet, and start with a small dosage. Also, look for high-quality products that are third-party tested and derived from industrial hemp. Learning more about the different ways to administer CBD is also crucial, as it will prevent you from unknowingly harming your furry friend.
If you follow these guidelines, you can be sure that your pet is getting all the benefits of CBD without any risks.
